Rex Leroy Harden, 92, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 4:57 P.M. Monday, January 19, 2026, at Gilman Healthcare Center in Gilman, IL. He was born June 2, 1933, in Rossville, IL, the son of Hubert E. and Bernece (Jackson) Harden. He married Joyce Ann Hafner on May 19, 1957, in Danville, IL. She survives in Hoopeston.
He is also survived by his three children, Kathryn Harden of Hoopeston, IL, Rex L. Harden Jr. of Westville, IL, and Jeffrey T. (Teresa) Harden of Conway, AR; two sisters, Annis Kirts of Kingman, AZ and Linda Masengale of Rossville, IL; two brothers, Ken (Carol) Harden of Muncie, IN and Blayne E. (Paula) Harden of Anaheim, CA; sister-in-law, Janet Harden of Noblesville, IN; brother-in-law, Gary Divan of Oakwood, IL; his grandchildren, Josh (Melissa) Wallace, Dylan (Hannah) Wallace, Roseann (Chris) Fanone, Ryan & Maranda Harden, and Tayla & Kyra Harden; his great-grandchildren, Elena & Calvin Fanone, Rhys Harden, and Ruby Wallace; a special nephew, Rex and Maureen Martin; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Lila J. Divan and Leta L. Shores; three brothers, Lester Harden, Larry (Madeline) Harden, and Ron (Betty) Harden; and two brothers-in-law, Larry Masengale and Danny Kirts.
Rex owned and operated Rex’s Welding for 43 years. He served in the United States Army from 1953-1956. He was a lifetime member of Antioch Church of Christ where he served as a trustee and deacon. He was also a member of the Hoopeston Lion’s Club. Rex enjoyed woodworking, camping, fishing, and golfing. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, gardening, and square dancing with his wife, Joyce.
Visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Monday, January 26, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 12:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home with Pastor Earl Eells officiating. A private graveside service will be held, and military rites will be accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial to be made to Antioch Church of Christ, 37604B N 1900 E Rd, Rossville, IL 60963.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Rex’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.
Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.
